ICYMI

New on the podcast

After a few weeks off, we're back on our regular weekly podcast schedule. Below are links to the last two episodes — and there's more great content coming on topics like managed care, LGBTQ+ youth and redlining. Stay tuned! 

Episode 19: Genesis Youth Foundation: Sam Gabriel is the co-founder of the Genesis Youth Foundation, a Des Moines nonprofit investing in refugee and immigrant youth and families. Sam and his wife and co-founder Tricia Gabriel draw from their own experiences as Liberian refugees to connect with kids through soccer, the arts and education. Discover how Sam's past has shaped his vision for Genesis — and discover ways you can help immigrants and refugees living in Iowa. Listen here. 

Episode 20: Home Visiting in Iowa: It's no secret parenting can be overwhelming, especially for families who face financial strains. In this episode, Janet Horras of the Iowa Department of Public Health and Rachel Bardwell of Partners in Family Development unpack an intervention that's decades-old but has gained new visibility in recent years: home visiting. Listen here to learn how this proven intervention supports children and families in Iowa. 

Iowa foster youth tell their stories

Current and former foster youth have lived experiences that should guide advocates and policymakers as we work to make sure all Iowa foster youth thrive. AMP (Achieving Maximum Potential), a statewide advocacy group for foster and adopted youth, and the Center teamed up to elevate these important stories. Check out a new series of animated videos on our YouTube channel and read op-eds from two former foster youth: Kayla via Des Moines Register and Laticia via Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier.

Caucus for Kids

Coalition elevates children's issues

The Iowa caucuses are now about six months away. That's either practically tomorrow, or a million years away — hard to say which. 

Between now and then, the Children's Policy Coalition continues our Caucus for Kids campaign aimed at getting presidential candidates from both major parties to talk about child and family issues. Coalition co-chairs Jill Applegate with Every Child Matters and Sheila Hansen (CFPC) are coordinating with campaigns to host Facebook Live conversations. Two candidates — John Delaney and Seth Moulton — talked with Iowa child advocates this month. You can watch via Every Child Matters Facebook page.

We're aiming to do these conversations with every candidate in both parties, so stay tuned as more are scheduled. 

Asking the candidates questions about kids' issues at campaign events is another way to put children and families front-and-center. Check out past Q&A exchanges on child health, early education and equal opportunity here, and visit childrenspolicycoalition.org to find a candidate event near you and ask a question of your own.